San Rocco Festa celebrates 88th year in Aliquippa

ALIQUIPPA --It's been a summer tradition in Aliquippa since Calvin Coolidge was president, and this year will be no exception.

The 88th annual San Rocco Festa returns Friday, Saturday and Sunday with authentic italian foods, music and the traditional doll dance.

The Festa will be held at Lefty Cepull Field, and it opens at 6 p.m. each day, except for the Mass and procession in honor of Saint Rocco that will be held Sunday morning starting at 9 a.m. at St. Titus Catholic Church.

Fred Persi, a co-chair and organizer of the Festa, said there will be some new entertainment acts this year, such as the Sicilian Tenors -- Aaron Caruso and Sam Vitale -- who will perform Saturday at 7 and 9 p.m. Another new act is Lawrence Branchetti, who Persi said was originally from Aliquippa. Branchetti will be performing Friday at 7 p.m.

Caruso and Vitale sing songs from Broadway and old Hollywood, as well as traditional Italian songs. Branchetti 's vocals resemble Frank Sinatra, whom he covers in one of his albums.

"Those are the main new things this year," he said. "We like to add new entertainment. There will also be fireworks on Saturday night and the traditional doll dance Sunday night, which is always a crowd favorite."

The fireworks display will be done by New Castle's Pyrotecnico. The Ballabe Band will accompany the pyrotechnic show with traditional music.

Persi said that the Festa Band will also be performing again, as well as the Ballabe Band.

Persi plays clarinet in the Festa Band with fellow co-chair Susan Hayden, who plays piccolo.

Hayden said even though she's not Italian, she still loves the festival.

"I like any ethnic group that continues their traditions, so I like the local community aspect of this festival," she said. "I love that it's been going on for more than 80 years. I also love the bands and the music."

Hayden said the Festa Band will be selling a CD this year at the festival for $20.

Admission is $1 for those 13 and older; there is no charge for those under 12. Persi said parking will be free and there will also be a free shuttle bus for additional parking.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.